<< Seasonal Immunization

Covid-19 What You Should Know

This factsheet provides the most current guidance on COVID-19 vaccines in Canada for 2025–2026, based on National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommendations

  • What

    COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It continues to circulate year-round and can cause illness ranging from mild symptoms to severe outcomes, including hospitalization and death. Some individuals, such as older adults and those with chronic conditions, remain at higher risk of serious disease.

    Multiple vaccines are authorized in Canada, including mRNA and protein subunit types. The most updated vaccines (including those targeting newer strains such as KP.2) should be used for both annual and catch-up doses. Refer to the Government of Canada website: Preparations authorized for use in Canada for more information.

    Common side effects of all COVID-19 vaccines can include:

    • Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site

    • Swollen lymph nodes (e.g., in the armpit or groin)

    • Fatigue, headache, muscle or joint pain

    • Chills and fever

    These effects are typically mild and resolve within a few days. Serious adverse events are very rare. For details, refer to the Government of Canada website: Safety and adverse events.

    Who

    COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for:

    • All adults aged 65+

    • Anyone aged 6 months and older who is at increased risk of severe illness, including:

      • Residents of long-term care homes or other congregate living settings

      • Individuals with underlying medical conditions

      • Pregnant individuals

      • First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples

      • Members of racialized or equity-deserving communities

      • Health care workers and essential caregivers

    Others aged 6 months and older may receive the vaccine even if not at high risk.

    Annual doses:

    • Most people will receive 1 dose per year

    • Those at highest risk may be recommended to receive 2 doses per year, including:

      • Adults aged 80+

      • Residents of long-term care or similar settings

      • Individuals (6 months+) who are moderately to severely immunocompromised

      • Adults aged 65–79 may receive a second dose based on individual risk factors

    How

    • Use the most updated COVID-19 vaccines (e.g., KP.2) for both previously vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

    • The minimum interval between COVID-19 doses is 3 months, though 6 months is preferred.

    • If you've had a confirmed COVID-19 infection, the same 3–6 month interval applies before the next vaccine dose.

    • For new recipients, both mRNA and protein subunit vaccines can be used, based on age and availability.

    • COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time as (or before or after) other vaccines, including influenza.

      • Use different injection sites and equipment.

      • Informed consent should include a discussion about side effects and benefits of co-administration.

    Why

    COVID-19 remains a public health concern and contributes to hospitalizations, long-term health complications, and preventable deaths in Canada. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of:

    • Severe illness and hospitalization

    • Long COVID and complications

    • Transmission within communities

    Vaccination is a key prevention tool alongside public health measures.

    .

COVID-19 VACCINE ELIGIBILITY, PROOF of VACCINATION and VACCINE FINDER

As of May 1, 2024, COVID-19 vaccines are not broadly available in Manitoba. However:

  • Vaccines are available upon request from your healthcare provider if they assess a benefit.

  • The Fall 2024 COVID-19 Immunization Program will resume broader access.

Vaccination remains especially important for those at increased risk (see “Who” section).

Everyone in Manitoba aged 6 months and older is eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.

To book a dose:

Concurrent Administration with Other Vaccines

  • COVID-19 vaccines can be administered on the same day as other vaccines, including live and non-live types.

  • Helps improve vaccine uptake and reduce barriers to routine care.

  • May lead to slightly more temporary side effects (e.g., fatigue, fever) but remains safe and effective.

  • When giving multiple vaccines:

    • Use different limbs or inject at least 2.5 cm apart in the same limb.

    • Do not mix vaccines in the same syringe.

For full guidance, visit the Canadian Immunization Guide: Timing of Vaccine Administration.

What You Need to Know

  • COVID-19 continues to circulate year-round, with increased activity typically from late summer to early January, overlapping with the respiratory illness season.

  • NACI’s current guidance applies throughout 2025 and into summer 2026, with updates anticipated as evidence evolves. It is still too early to determine the ideal long-term vaccination strategy for all age and risk groups.

  • Provinces and territories now manage vaccine rollout and eligibility, as the federal government has transitioned funding responsibility to them. Local health authorities will determine timing and access based on disease trends, updated vaccine availability, and alignment with other vaccination programs like influenza.

  • The minimum interval between COVID-19 vaccine doses is 3 months for previously vaccinated individuals. When planning vaccination, consider:

    • Time since last dose or infection

    • Upcoming travel, medical procedures, or large gatherings

    • Current local virus circulation

  • Vaccination can start at any time of year, including for those who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine.

  • COVID-19 vaccines may continue to be updated to better match new variants. While updated vaccines offer improved protection, existing ones still provide a meaningful immune response.

  • Concurrent administration with other vaccines remains safe. COVID-19 vaccines can be given on the same day, or at any interval before or after other vaccines (live or non-live). Use separate injection sites and discuss benefits and risks during informed consent.

Concurrent administration with other vaccines

  • COVID-19 vaccines can be given on the same day, or at any time before or after, other vaccines (live or non-live) for individuals aged 6 months and older.
  • This approach helps reduce barriers to routine immunizations and flu shots.
  • Studies show that administering COVID-19 and flu vaccines together typically produces immune responses similar to giving them separately. In cases where responses were slightly lower, the impact on effectiveness is unclear.
  • Safety studies have not identified any issues with giving COVID-19 vaccines alongside other vaccines. Some increased reactogenicity (e.g., soreness, fever) has been noted but is similar to getting a COVID-19 vaccine alone.
  • When administering multiple vaccines at once, use different injection sites and equipment, preferably in different limbs or at least 2.5 cm apart in the same limb. Do not mix vaccines in the same syringe.
  • Informed consent should cover the benefits and risks of giving COVID-19 vaccines with other vaccines, given the limited data.

For a complete guide refer to the Government of Canada website: Timing of Vaccine Administration: Canadian Immunization Guide

For information about Covid-19 Vaccinations in Manitoba refer to the province of Manitoba website for: